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Anyone on this board ever gone solar at their house?
Posted on 9/15/16 at 11:39 am
Posted on 9/15/16 at 11:39 am
Just trying to think of ways to save money, just from very basic research it seems it would take at least 20 years to even get my money back
5
Posted on 9/15/16 at 12:10 pm to Wishnitwas1998
My neighbor did. He spent 25000 to get the panels installed. He got the 80% back in taxes though. His light bill went from 300 a month to 110 a month in the summer and to 20 in the winter.
Posted on 9/15/16 at 12:27 pm to bullyintigertown
Hmmmmmmm.......I need to look into the tax stuff
Posted on 9/15/16 at 12:31 pm to Wishnitwas1998
We did it.
However, electricity costs here in Cali are outrageous. Especially in the summer. I bought them outright, and our bill went from around $400 avg to around $30-50.
I should get ROI in 8-13 years.
If your bills dont avg more than $200-250 per month I don't think it's really worth it.
ETA: I just checked my account, with solar we pay the costs of electricity used over a 12 month period. We are currently in month 12, and our balance is $121 dollars. So, we're paying around $10 per month. Pretty damn good.
However, electricity costs here in Cali are outrageous. Especially in the summer. I bought them outright, and our bill went from around $400 avg to around $30-50.
I should get ROI in 8-13 years.
If your bills dont avg more than $200-250 per month I don't think it's really worth it.
ETA: I just checked my account, with solar we pay the costs of electricity used over a 12 month period. We are currently in month 12, and our balance is $121 dollars. So, we're paying around $10 per month. Pretty damn good.
This post was edited on 9/15/16 at 12:37 pm
Posted on 9/15/16 at 12:45 pm to Wishnitwas1998
quote:
..I need to look into the tax stuff
really the only way to recoup anything and come out ahead of the normal electricity
Posted on 9/15/16 at 12:45 pm to Stir of Echoes
quote:
We did it.
However, electricity costs here in Cali are outrageous. Especially in the summer. I bought them outright, and our bill went from around $400 avg to around $30-50.
I should get ROI in 8-13 years.
If your bills dont avg more than $200-250 per month I don't think it's really worth it.
ETA: I just checked my account, with solar we pay the costs of electricity used over a 12 month period. We are currently in month 12, and our balance is $121 dollars. So, we're paying around $10 per month. Pretty damn good.
You get a tax credit in cali though, right?
Posted on 9/15/16 at 12:50 pm to NYCAuburn
Yeah, our total cost was around $45k, tax credits got it down $21k.
Posted on 9/15/16 at 12:54 pm to Stir of Echoes
quote:
Yeah, our total cost was around $45k, tax credits got it down $21k.
I have heard the life on the panels isnt the greatest either and batteries need replaced every now and then, right?
Posted on 9/15/16 at 1:00 pm to NYCAuburn
The panels have a 20 year warranty.
We don't have batteries, they are expensive upfront and require maintenance. Plus, you need a ton to be completely off grid.
I'm waiting to see what happens with Tesla's Powerwall.
Sounds like it might be exactly what we need to go off grid.
LINK
We don't have batteries, they are expensive upfront and require maintenance. Plus, you need a ton to be completely off grid.
I'm waiting to see what happens with Tesla's Powerwall.
Sounds like it might be exactly what we need to go off grid.
LINK
Posted on 9/15/16 at 1:08 pm to NYCAuburn
I looked into the tax credit and it would be very nice but due to starting a couple new businesses I'm probably not gonna have a tax bill for several more years
Wouldn't be a big deal except as of now the solar tax credit at the federal level is scheduled to go away completely in 2021 and be reduced every year until then
Wouldn't be a big deal except as of now the solar tax credit at the federal level is scheduled to go away completely in 2021 and be reduced every year until then
This post was edited on 9/15/16 at 1:09 pm
Posted on 9/15/16 at 1:35 pm to Wishnitwas1998
There are no good local rebates in my area
It's still a 20 year roi with just the federal tax credit
Some states have their own credits as well but not texas
It's still a 20 year roi with just the federal tax credit
Some states have their own credits as well but not texas
Posted on 9/15/16 at 5:22 pm to Old Sarge
Probably not Tennessee
Posted on 9/15/16 at 5:38 pm to Stir of Echoes
I've been seriously thinking of going off grid when I retire - partly because where I live will be remote - there is no power anywhere near the building site. Secondly, I am a little paranoid and a lot cranky. Living away from people is probably a good idea 
Posted on 9/15/16 at 7:03 pm to Pinche Cabron
It is costly.
Give it 5 years though. Energy companies are behind the curve regarding what will happen to their bottom line given the technology curve.
They are already reacting rather than embracing what's happening out here. They've lobbied the state to essentially kill all initiatives, and they've listened.
Which is ironic considering this state has spent billions on Green Initiatives.
The big money always wins.
Give it 5 years though. Energy companies are behind the curve regarding what will happen to their bottom line given the technology curve.
They are already reacting rather than embracing what's happening out here. They've lobbied the state to essentially kill all initiatives, and they've listened.
Which is ironic considering this state has spent billions on Green Initiatives.
The big money always wins.
Posted on 9/15/16 at 9:02 pm to Stir of Echoes
So you are saying give it 5 years and it will get better on all fronts or worse on all fronts?
Posted on 9/15/16 at 9:51 pm to Wishnitwas1998
Looking into solar panels myself. Seems like a no brainer.
Posted on 9/16/16 at 6:22 am to Wishnitwas1998
I think it gets better for the consumer.
Posted on 9/16/16 at 1:18 pm to Stir of Echoes
Solar would never roi if it weren't for massive federal subsidizing, so I hope nome of y'all are "fiscal conservatives" indulging in pork. Also I doubt many of these roi charts factor in the ~2.5% loss of efficiency each and every year.
Posted on 9/17/16 at 12:58 am to Wishnitwas1998
Buying a new place right now that has a pretty good little stream. I am thinking about trying a combination of a water wheel,a windmill and some solar panels,and just see how it turns out.
I think I can make the water wheel and windmill work pretty well,with minimal cost for materials. Gonna find out more about the solar panels.
I think I can make the water wheel and windmill work pretty well,with minimal cost for materials. Gonna find out more about the solar panels.
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